Articles tagged with "lidar"
Luminar receives a larger $33 million bid for its lidar business
Luminar’s lidar business received a higher bid of $33 million from MicroVision during a court-run auction in the company’s bankruptcy case, surpassing the previous $28 million offer from Quantum Computing Inc., the stalking horse bidder. MicroVision, a company specializing in lidar sensor development, plans to acquire Luminar’s intellectual property, inventory related to Iris and Halo lidar sensors, key engineering and operations talent, and certain commercial contracts. MicroVision’s CEO Glen DeVos emphasized the company’s intent to disrupt and consolidate the lidar market by leveraging its automotive leadership and diverse lidar sensor portfolio to enhance commercial adoption and safety. The sale is pending approval by the bankruptcy judge, with a hearing scheduled shortly. It remains unclear whether Luminar’s founder and former CEO Austin Russell submitted a bid, though he had expressed interest through his new venture, Russell AI Labs. The bankruptcy proceedings have involved legal disputes between Russell and Luminar, including a subpoena and protective order concerning Russell’s personal information. If the sale is approved,
lidarautonomous-vehiclessensorsroboticsautomotive-technologyadvanced-perceptionMicroVisionLuminar lines up $22 million bidder for its lidar business
Luminar, a lidar technology company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2025, has agreed to sell its lidar business to Quantum Computing Inc. for $22 million, subject to higher bids by a deadline on Monday. This sale follows Luminar’s plan to sell its semiconductor subsidiary to the same buyer for $110 million. Both transactions require approval from the bankruptcy court in the Southern District of Texas. Quantum Computing Inc. has been named the “stalking horse bidder,” setting a minimum price to discourage low offers. Luminar aims to expedite the bankruptcy process with support from its largest creditors, primarily financial institutions. The $22 million stalking horse bid marks a dramatic decline from Luminar’s peak valuation of approximately $11 billion in 2021, a period when the company was expected to secure large-scale contracts with automakers like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar—deals that eventually fell through. Austin Russell, Luminar’s founder and former CEO, has shown interest in bidding
robotlidarautonomous-vehiclessensorsquantum-computingbankruptcyautomotive-technologyLaser-loaded robot dogs, AI bird tracker conduct environmental checks
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of environmental impact assessments amid the city’s rapid urban expansion. At Hong Kong Wetland Park, two AI-powered systems have been deployed: one for bird detection using image recognition and acoustic monitoring capable of identifying over 500 species with more than 90% accuracy, and another employing lidar sensors mounted on robotic dogs to conduct detailed tree surveys. These technologies enable continuous, comprehensive monitoring of wildlife and vegetation, significantly reducing the time required for field research while improving data precision. The bird monitoring system uses AI-equipped rotating cameras and sound recognition to track species including ecologically important birds like the black-faced spoonbill and Chinese pond heron, even during poor weather or nighttime. Meanwhile, the lidar-based robotic dogs create three-dimensional models of trees by measuring their location, height, and crown width, a method Hong Kong is among the first to systematically apply in environmental assessments. Officials plan
roboticsAIenvironmental-monitoringlidarrobotic-dogsIoT-sensorsAI-bird-trackingWaymo Zeekr A No-Go, Waymo Ojai A Go - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Waymo’s ongoing development and deployment of its robotaxi fleet, focusing on the transition from the initially revealed Zeekr-based vehicle to the newly branded Waymo Ojai. While the Zeekr robotaxi was anticipated for some time, Waymo has decided not to emphasize the Chinese EV supplier’s name in its branding, instead naming the vehicle "Ojai" after a Californian village known for arts and wellness. The Ojai robotaxi, showcased at CES 2026, includes a steering wheel to comply with U.S. regulations and is equipped with an array of sensors—13 cameras, 4 lidar, 6 radar, and external audio receivers—along with innovative features like tiny sensor wipers. The vehicle is designed to greet passengers with a personalized “Oh, hi,” reflecting a friendly user experience. Despite significant progress and rapid scaling of Waymo’s robotaxi operations, some technical challenges remain, particularly with sensor interpretation around bridges. The article highlights incidents in Venice,
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisensorslidarAIWaymo is rebranding its Zeekr robotaxi
Waymo is rebranding its Zeekr RT robotaxi as the Ojai, named after a California village known for its arts and wellness focus. This change comes as the vehicle, developed in partnership with Chinese automaker Zeekr, prepares to join Waymo’s commercial fleet. The rebranding aims to improve U.S. market familiarity, as the Zeekr name is relatively unknown domestically and may impact rider experience. The Ojai robotaxi will feature a personalized greeting (“Oh hi”) for passengers, reflecting the new name’s pronunciation. The Ojai has undergone several years of development and testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco, evolving from a concept vehicle without a steering wheel to a refined model showcased at CES 2026 that includes one. It retains its advanced sensor suite—13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar sensors, and external audio receivers—though its paint color has shifted from a blueish tint to a more silver hue. Currently, Waymo employees and their acquaintances
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymosensorslidartransportation-technologyCES 2026: Tensor unveils Level 4 'supercomputer-on-wheels' robocar
At CES 2026, Tensor unveiled its Robocar, a Level 4 autonomous vehicle designed from the ground up as an AI-first “supercomputer on wheels.” Unlike conventional electric vehicles retrofitted with autonomy, Tensor’s Robocar integrates compute, sensors, steering, braking, and charging into a unified autonomy stack. Powered by eight NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor system-on-chips delivering over 8,000 TOPS of GPU computing power, the vehicle processes vast sensor data in real time, effectively functioning as a rolling data center. The SUV-sized platform features a drag coefficient of 0.253 and employs a dual-lidar system (Halo and Sentinel) alongside radar, cameras, and microphones to provide layered, redundant perception focused on contextual understanding for complex driving environments. Safety and redundancy are central to the design, with fully redundant steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems developed in partnership with ZF and Bosch, eliminating mechanical single points of failure. The Robocar supports autonomous ultra-fast charging, capable
robotautonomous-vehicleAIlidarsupercomputerelectric-vehiclefast-chargingChina’s Hesai will double production as lidar sensor industry shakes out
Chinese lidar manufacturer Hesai plans to double its production capacity from 2 million to 4 million units in 2026, aiming to dominate the global lidar sensor market. This expansion follows Hesai surpassing 1 million units in 2025 and is driven by growing demand in automotive and robotics sectors. Hesai highlighted that lidar sensors are now installed in 25% of new electric vehicles in China, with many cars integrating three to six sensors each, significantly broadening the company’s market potential. Hesai currently serves 24 automotive customers, including a leading European automaker, and has secured 4 million orders for its latest ATX lidar sensor. Hesai’s growth contrasts with the recent bankruptcy of U.S. lidar maker Luminar, which struggled due to failed automotive partnerships and intense price competition from Chinese manufacturers like Hesai. Luminar’s bankruptcy filings cited cost pressures from lower-priced Chinese competitors as a key factor in its downfall. Hesai has also contributed to a 99.5%
lidarroboticsautonomous-vehiclessensorselectric-carsautomotive-technologyrobotics-industryLuminar claims founder Austin Russell is dodging a subpoena in the bankruptcy case
Luminar, the lidar technology company, alleges that its founder and former CEO Austin Russell has been evading subpoenas and withholding company-owned devices needed for a legal investigation amid Luminar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Since Russell’s resignation in May following an ethics inquiry, Luminar has sought to recover company-issued equipment, successfully retrieving six computers but still pursuing his company phone and a digital copy of his personal phone. The company claims Russell and his associates misled legal representatives about his whereabouts and is requesting court permission to serve him by mail or email. Russell’s attorney contends he has been cooperative but requires assurances that personal data on his devices will be protected, which Luminar declined, prompting reliance on court-established data handling procedures. This dispute arises as Luminar moves quickly through bankruptcy, aiming to sell its semiconductor subsidiary to Quantum Computing, Inc., and seeking bids for its lidar division by January 9. Russell, through his new venture Russell AI Labs, attempted to buy Luminar before the bankruptcy filing
robotlidarbankruptcysemiconductorAI-labstechnologylegal-disputeA rough week for hardware companies
The article discusses the recent bankruptcies of three distinct hardware companies—Rad Power Bikes (e-bikes), Luminar (lidar sensors), and iRobot (Roombas)—highlighting common challenges they faced despite their different products. All three struggled with tariff pressures, failed major deals, and an inability to diversify beyond their initial successful products. Rad Power Bikes, once a pandemic-era leader in micromobility with revenues peaking above $123 million in 2023, saw a sharp decline to about $63 million amid bankruptcy. Luminar, a pioneer in affordable lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles with key partnerships like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, also filed due to overreliance on a narrow market. iRobot, the most recognizable brand among the three, faced rapid technological advancements and a blocked acquisition by Amazon, which contributed to its financial distress. The conversation among the article’s commentators further explores these issues. Rebecca Bellan notes Rad Power’s recall challenges and questions the impact of tariffs on these
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vehicleslidare-bikesroboticssmart-home-devicesHow Luminar’s doomed Volvo deal helped drag the company into bankruptcy
In early 2023, Luminar Technologies appeared poised for success, having secured major automotive customers including Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar for its lidar sensors designed to enhance vehicle safety and autonomy. Volvo, a longstanding advocate for vehicle safety, initially committed to purchasing 39,500 sensors in 2020, then increased its order to 673,000 in 2021, and further to 1.1 million sensors in 2022. Luminar invested heavily—around $200 million—in manufacturing capabilities, including a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico, to fulfill Volvo’s large orders, particularly for the EX90 SUV. However, the relationship with Volvo deteriorated significantly by 2024. Volvo delayed the EX90 launch for additional software development and subsequently cut its sensor volume forecast by 75%. Other key partnerships also faltered: Polestar abandoned Luminar’s lidar integration due to software incompatibilities, and Mercedes-Benz terminated its sensor agreement in late 2024, citing unmet requirements
robotlidarautonomous-vehiclesautomotive-technologysensorsbankruptcymanufacturingLidar-maker Luminar files for bankruptcy
Lidar company Luminar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a challenging year marked by executive departures, significant layoffs, and legal disputes. The company plans to sell its lidar business during the bankruptcy process and has already arranged to sell its semiconductor subsidiary. Despite continuing operations to minimize disruption for suppliers and customers, Luminar will ultimately cease to exist once the bankruptcy proceedings conclude. CEO Paul Ricci emphasized that a court-supervised sale is the best path forward after a thorough review of alternatives. Luminar’s troubles intensified after founder Austin Russell resigned as CEO amid an ethics inquiry but remained on the board and later launched a new venture, Russell AI Labs, while attempting to buy Luminar. The company faced a 25% workforce reduction, the departure of its CFO, loan defaults, an SEC investigation, and eviction lawsuits. A major setback occurred when Volvo, Luminar’s largest customer and early investor, canceled a five-year contract, prompting Luminar to take legal action. The company also faces legal claims
robotlidarautonomous-vehiclessensorsbankruptcytechnologyautomotive-technologyRivian Has A Different Take On Autonomous Cars - CleanTechnica
Rivian founder R.J. Scaringe envisions a unique approach to autonomous vehicles, emphasizing practical and customer-centric features rather than full self-driving or robotaxi ambitions. He foresees Rivian cars autonomously performing everyday tasks such as dropping owners at the airport, picking up children from school, and running errands. Additionally, Scaringe highlights a self-servicing capability where vehicles can drive themselves to service centers and return home after repairs, eliminating the inconvenience currently experienced by Tesla owners and others. At its December 2025 AI Day, Rivian announced it would develop its own custom autonomous driving chips, manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, rather than relying on external suppliers like Nvidia. These new chips will power the Autonomy Compute Module 3, delivering four times the performance of the current system. Starting in 2027, Rivian vehicles priced around $45,000 will feature windshield-mounted lidar sensors, which Scaringe argues are now cost-effective and aesthetically unobtrusive compared to
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIlidarsemiconductorRivianself-driving-technologyRivian goes big on autonomy, with custom silicon, lidar, and a hint at robotaxis
Rivian unveiled ambitious plans to advance the autonomy of its electric vehicles, highlighting new hardware developments including custom silicon and lidar sensors, as well as a future potential entry into the self-driving ride-hail market. At its first “Autonomy & AI Day” event, CEO RJ Scaringe detailed the company’s roadmap to expand its hands-free driver-assistance software, branded as “Universal Hands-Free,” which will cover over 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada by early 2026. This system, available on the second-generation R1 trucks and SUVs, will enable point-to-point navigation and allow drivers to take their eyes off the road, charging either a one-time fee of $2,500 or $49.99 monthly. Rivian is also developing a “personal L4” autonomy level, meaning vehicles can operate without human intervention within specific areas, and hinted at future competition with companies like Waymo in the ride-hailing space. To support
robotautonomous-vehicleslidarcustom-siliconelectric-vehiclesdriver-assistance-softwareself-driving-technologyFrench startup Exwayz raises €1M to develop SLAM software - The Robot Report
Exwayz, a Paris-based startup specializing in 3D simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) software, has raised €1 million ($1.1 million) in a funding round led by CentraleSupélec Venture, including a grant from the France 2030 i-Lab Innovation Competition. The company develops positioning and navigation software for autonomous system manufacturers, with over 20 clients already trusting its technology. Exwayz recently formed strategic partnerships with Swiss autonomous platform provider Embotech and Boston-based Cyvl.ai, and added former Stellantis executive Yves Bonnefont as a non-executive advisor. The startup plans to expand its engineering team to further enhance its SLAM capabilities. Exwayz’s SLAM software integrates 3D lidar data from sensors made by partners such as SICK, Velodyne, Ouster, Luminar, Hesai, and Valeo to create highly accurate large-scale city maps, demonstrated by a detailed map of the Las Vegas Strip. The software achieves positional
robotSLAM-softwareautonomous-systems3D-mappinglidarnavigation-softwareembedded-computingLuminar is fighting with its biggest customer as bankruptcy threat looms
Luminar, a lidar sensor company, is embroiled in a serious dispute with its largest customer, Swedish automaker Volvo, which recently canceled a five-year-old contract. This conflict comes at a critical time for Luminar, which has defaulted on several loans and warned investors of a potential bankruptcy. To avoid collapse, Luminar has laid off 25% of its workforce and is exploring selling the company or parts of it, with founder Austin Russell—who resigned as CEO amid an ethics inquiry—among potential buyers. Additionally, Luminar is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The longstanding partnership between Luminar and Volvo has been mutually beneficial, with Volvo investing in Luminar and incorporating its technology into early production vehicles. This relationship bolstered Luminar’s credibility, aiding its 2020 SPAC merger that made Russell a young billionaire. However, Luminar has struggled to diversify beyond Volvo, leading to significant staff cuts and outsourcing manufacturing. The dispute escalated publicly on October 31,
robotlidarautonomous-vehiclessensor-technologyautomotive-technologymanufacturingtech-startupsLuminar is cutting jobs, losing its CFO, and warning of a cash shortage
Luminar, a lidar sensor manufacturer, has announced a 25% workforce reduction—the second layoff this year—and warned shareholders it will run out of cash by early 2026 without additional funding. The company, which began the year with approximately 580 employees, did not specify the number affected in this latest cut. Luminar also disclosed that its CFO, Thomas Fennimore, will step down on November 13 to pursue other opportunities, with the company emphasizing that his departure is unrelated to any financial disagreements. These developments occur amid founder Austin Russell’s ongoing attempt to buy the company, following his replacement as CEO earlier in the year after an ethics inquiry. Luminar’s financial struggles are linked to weaker-than-expected sales, particularly to major customer Volvo, leading the company to sell sensors at a loss. As of October 24, Luminar held $72 million in cash and marketable securities but faces a burn rate that could deplete funds by the first quarter of 2026. The
robotlidarautonomous-vehiclessensorsautomotive-technologyrobotics-industrytechnology-startupsAvride secures strategic investments up to $375M for self-driving cars, deliveries - The Robot Report
Avride Inc., an Austin-based startup founded in 2017, has secured up to $375 million in strategic investments to advance its autonomous vehicle (AV) and delivery robot technologies. The company has tested its self-driving systems in diverse environments—including rain, snow, urban streets, and side roads—and its delivery robots have already completed hundreds of thousands of orders in the U.S. and internationally. Avride’s technology benefits from shared advancements between its passenger AVs and sidewalk delivery robots, underscoring its scalable and reliable autonomous solutions. A key component of Avride’s growth is its expanded partnership with Uber Technologies and AI infrastructure provider Nebius Group. Avride’s delivery robots currently operate through Uber Eats in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City, and the company plans to launch its first robotaxi service on Uber’s ride-hailing platform in Dallas by the end of 2025. The new funding will accelerate Avride’s scaling efforts, AI-driven product development, and market expansion. Unlike leaders such
robotautonomous-vehiclesdelivery-robotsself-driving-technologyAIlidarUber-collaborationGM to introduce eyes-off, hands-off driving system in 2028
General Motors (GM) announced plans to introduce an advanced automated driving system by 2028 that allows drivers to keep their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, beginning with the Cadillac Escalade IQ. This new system builds on GM’s existing Super Cruise technology, which launched in 2017 and currently supports hands-free driving on about 600,000 miles of highway across 23 vehicle models. The upcoming eyes-off, hands-off system will utilize lidar, radar, and cameras for perception and will initially operate on highways, including those not mapped by GM. GM aims to deploy this technology faster than it did Super Cruise, leveraging expertise from its now-closed Cruise autonomous vehicle subsidiary, whose AI models and simulation tools are being integrated into GM’s next-generation driver assistance programs. GM’s CEO Mary Barra highlighted that the company’s manufacturing scale and reduced hardware costs position it uniquely to bring this technology to market at larger volumes and lower prices than competitors. The system is expected to meet SAE Level 3
robotautonomous-vehiclesdriver-assistance-systemAIlidarradarautomationZoox robotaxi equipped with cameras, lidars, radar launched in Las Vegas
Zoox, a Foster City-based company, has launched its fully autonomous robotaxi service in Las Vegas, marking the first time a purpose-built, driverless ride-hailing vehicle is available to the public. The robotaxi integrates advanced perception technology, combining cameras, lidars, radar, and long-wave infrared sensors to provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of the surroundings. This system enables real-time detection, classification, and tracking of vehicles, obstacles, and pedestrians, allowing the vehicle to predict their actions and navigate urban environments safely and smoothly. The service is accessible via the Zoox app, offering rides from multiple popular destinations on and around the Las Vegas Strip, such as Resorts World Las Vegas and AREA15, with rides currently free of charge. Zoox plans to expand its robotaxi operations to other U.S. cities, including an upcoming launch in San Francisco. The company emphasizes that its vision extends beyond autonomous driving to creating a new mode of transportation focused on safety, accessibility, and an enhanced rider
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIlidarradarrobotaxitransportation-technologyPhotos: World's first Robocar promises pure autonomy with lidars, radars
The Tensor Robocar, introduced by California-based startup Tensor, is the world’s first personal autonomous vehicle designed from the ground up for private ownership rather than fleet use. Scheduled for delivery in late 2026, the Robocar features a comprehensive sensor suite including 37 cameras, 5 lidars, 11 radars, and multiple microphones and ultrasonic sensors, enabling Level 4 autonomy with no driver input required under defined conditions. Its architecture emphasizes safety and redundancy, meeting global automotive safety standards such as FMVSS and IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with full backup systems to prevent single points of failure. The vehicle’s autonomy is powered by a dual-system AI: one system handles rapid, reflexive driving responses based on expert driver data, while the other uses a multimodal Visual Language Model to reason through complex or unusual scenarios, including low-visibility conditions. The Robocar also functions as an "AI agentic car," featuring a Large Language Model that enables conversational interaction and adapts to the owner
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIsensorslidarradarautomotive-technologyUnitree launches A2 quadruped equipped with front and rear lidar - The Robot Report
Unitree Robotics has launched its latest quadruped robot, the Unitree A2, designed for industrial applications such as inspection, logistics, and research. The A2 features significant upgrades in perception, including dual industrial lidar sensors positioned at the front and rear, an HD camera, and a front light to improve environmental detection and eliminate blind spots. Weighing 37 kg unloaded, the A2 can carry a 25 kg payload while walking continuously for three hours or about 12.5 km, supported by hot-swappable dual batteries for extended missions. This model balances endurance, strength, speed, and perception, marking it as one of Unitree’s most advanced quadrupeds to date. Key specifications of the A2 include a top speed of 5 m/s, an unloaded range of 20 km, a maximum standing load of 100 kg, and the ability to climb steps up to 1 meter high. Compared to Unitree’s previous B2 model, the A2 is
robotquadruped-robotlidarautonomous-robotsroboticsAI-visionbattery-technologyOrbbec touts Pulsar ME450 as a multi-pattern 3D lidar - The Robot Report
At the World Robot Conference 2025 in Beijing, Orbbec introduced the Pulsar ME450, a novel multi-pattern 3D lidar sensor designed to enhance robotic perception by allowing users to switch scanning modes without changing devices. The sensor combines a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror with motorized azimuth control to offer configurable scanning patterns and an adjustable vertical field of view. This design enables the Pulsar ME450 to adapt to diverse robotics applications, such as smart forklifts, logistics robots, lawn mowers, and surveying equipment, by supporting non-repetitive, non-dense repetitive, and dense repetitive scanning modes. The sensor delivers millimeter-level precision and high-fidelity 3D reconstruction, maintaining stable performance across various materials and interference conditions. Orbbec emphasizes that the Pulsar ME450’s flexibility addresses the evolving demands of robotics, balancing the need for fast, real-time obstacle avoidance with detailed mapping capabilities. By integrating multiple scanning patterns into a single device, the
roboticslidar3D-perceptionMEMS-technologyautonomous-navigationsensor-technologyrobotics-applicationsAeva strikes lidar chip-making deal with LG subsidiary
Aeva Technologies, a U.S.-based maker of advanced 4D LiDAR sensing systems, has entered a manufacturing partnership with LG Innotek, the components and materials subsidiary of South Korea’s LG. Under the agreement, LG Innotek will manufacture and supply Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D LiDAR sensors primarily for the automotive sector, targeting some of the top 10 global passenger vehicle OEMs. LG Innotek will also invest up to $50 million in Aeva, acquiring about a 6% equity stake. The partnership aims to eventually expand the use of Aeva’s technology into consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology differs from conventional systems by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology to measure both distance and velocity for every pixel in real time, providing richer data akin to moving from black-and-white to color imaging. The company has miniaturized the entire LiDAR system, including optics,
robotIoTlidarautomotive-technologysilicon-photonicsindustrial-automationsmart-infrastructureLucid Motors will roll out hands-free highway driving this month
Lucid Motors is launching a software update on July 30, 2025, that will enable hands-free highway driving on its Air sedans, marking a significant advancement in the company’s advanced driver assistance system. This update places Lucid among a select group of automakers in the U.S. offering hands-free driving capabilities, alongside Ford’s BlueCruise, General Motors’ Super Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot. The feature requires the $2,500 “Dream Drive Pro” package, which includes a comprehensive sensor suite with lidar, radar, cameras, and ultrasonics, and will initially be available only on compatible divided highways. Drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control, with monitoring via an in-cabin camera positioned above the steering column. The hands-free system rollout currently targets Air sedans, with plans to extend the update to the new Gravity SUV later in 2025, although only a handful of Gravity units have been delivered so far. Lucid has delivered approximately
IoTautonomous-vehiclesadvanced-driver-assistance-systemssensorslidarradarhands-free-drivingChina's new cotton topping robot automates intensive task at 10x speed
China has developed what is being called the world’s first laser-based autonomous cotton topping robot, jointly created by Xinjiang University and EAVision Robotic Technologies. The machine uses a combination of lasers, lidar, and artificial intelligence to identify and vaporize the top buds of cotton plants with a detection accuracy of 98.9% and a successful topping rate of over 82% in field tests. This process, traditionally labor-intensive and prone to human error or plant damage, is now mechanized to operate roughly 10 times faster than manual labor, covering 0.4 to 0.53 hectares per hour. Unlike chemical or mechanical methods, the robot’s laser approach minimizes plant stress, eliminates herbicide use, and enables continuous operation regardless of weather or time of day. The robot is currently undergoing testing in Xinjiang, China’s largest cotton-producing region, and represents a significant step toward full mechanization of cotton farming. The development involved three years of research to integrate sensor technology, machine vision
robotagriculture-roboticsAIlidarlaser-technologyautonomous-machinessmart-farmingIt’s Safety, Not Just Luxury, That Won Volvo a World Car Trophy - CleanTechnica
The Volvo EX90 was awarded the 2025 World Luxury Car title at the New York International Auto Show, recognized for its blend of Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and a focus on safety. This accolade underscores Volvo’s successful entry into the premium electric vehicle market, emphasizing safety innovations that align with Sweden’s “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries. Sweden’s notably low traffic fatality rate—2.0 per million inhabitants—is partly attributed to Volvo’s longstanding safety policies, which have been evolving since 2010 to address the unique challenges of electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery protection, vehicle dynamics, and post-collision hazards like battery fires. Central to the EX90’s safety features is a roof-mounted lidar system that creates a precise 3D map of the surroundings, detecting pedestrians and small objects at significant distances under various conditions, enhancing collision avoidance beyond traditional camera and radar systems. Additionally, the car incorporates an AI-driven Driver Understanding System that monitors driver attent
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-safetylithium-ion-batteriesautomotive-technologylidarVolvo-EX90